Political Turbulence Roils Mid-term Elections

The murder of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue on October 27 was perhaps the worst case of violence ever perpetrated against the Jewish community in the United States. This incident of anti-Semitic violence followed just a few days the incident of the pipe-bombs sent in the mail to a handful of Democratic politicians and Democratic fund-raisers, including former President Barak Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden. This outbreak of unusual violence has certainly raised the political temperature in the nation as we approach a very important mid-term election. Δ People mourn as they hold a vigil for the victims of the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 27. John Altorfer/REUTERS  Democrats immediately began to blame the up-tick in the violence on President Trump’s volatile rhetoric. The President, in turn, blamed it on the strident and perennial attacks on him by the media and by the Democrats ever since he won the Presidency. In a sense, both are correct. But the growing bitterness in the political debate and the increased violence on the streets of the nations are in fact linked to a deeper malaise, the increasing polarization and disillusionment in the body politic. The election of President Trump is a prime example of this. A majority of the electorate ignored ALL of the establishment candidates, securing for Trump first, […]

Nov 2, 2018

Mnuchin Proposing New Trade Negotiations: A Turnaround or a Tactic?

United States Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin sent a proposal to China on September 12, seeking the initiation of a new round of trade negotiations. Gao Feng, spokesman of China’s Ministry of Commerce, responded the following day that China had received the proposal and welcomes talks. Beijing and Washington are now working out the negotiation details. Escalating trade conflict is not in line with interests of either party, Gao emphasized. Since the trade war was first waged by the US in July, the US has already levied tariffs on $50bn of Chinese products, while China has retaliated with measures worth an equivalent amount. Now, Trump’s government is considering a duty increase on $200bn of Chinese products. With these factors in mind, how should we interpret the signal for talks the US has sent out at this crucial time? Does it indicate a turnaround? Increasing Domestic Pressure on Trump’s Government From running a presidential election campaign to taking office, Trump has always held a tough position on trade issues. He has placed the blame for US trade imbalances on other countries, saying they take advantage of the US. Hence, by bearing the torch of trade protectionism, Trump has shaped himself in the image of a strongman who fears no international pressure and always safeguards US interests. This image has won […]

Sep 17, 2018